Peter Argento

Born and raised in Manhattan's East Harlem neighborhood, he later moved with family to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and attended Brooklyn Technical High School.

Mr. Argento served in the Navy as a radioman.

He settled in Todt Hill in 1967.

Mr. Argento first worked as a bricklayer and built on his masonry skills and knowledge to found his masonry company, which employed over 200 masons and laborers and constructed buildings throughout New York City. At age 46 he changed careers, and with two partners opened a home center liquidation company with five stores in New York and New Jersey. He retired when he was 60.

He enjoyed spending time at his upstate home in the Hudson River valley, where he planted and farmed. A gourmet cook, he enjoyed making extravagant holiday dinners. He also enjoyed hunting, playing tennis and traveling.

Mr. Argento loved spending time with his family.

He was a parishioner of St. Teresa's R.C. Church, Castleton Corners.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, the former Josephine Gargiulo; his sons, Peter, James and Joseph; 10 grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.

The funeral will be Saturday from the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, with a Mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Teresa's Church. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.